Rounding her desk, Irene stands and studies us for a moment before speaking. “I know the general idea of this plan, but I want to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
Irene and I look at Jack for him to fill her in, and he clears his throat. “Well, you and I will be in here. Andi…Andreawill likely be behind the counter. I want to have a clear view of her at all times. Andrew will wait outside the front door once Christopher is inside.”
“You mentioned putting in a camera this morning?” Irene asks.
“Yeah. To ensure he can’t weasel out of anything, I’m putting a camera up to cover the area. It’ll be audio and video. I apologize for not asking. I assumed it would be fine,” he answers.
“That’s completely fine. I want to catch this son of bitch as much as you do. I just want to be kept informed of everything,” she says, making her position clear.
“We understand, and I appreciate this so much. I’ll find a way to repay you one day,” I say.
Irene gives a dismissive wave of her hand. “Nonsense, child. Seeing that bastard hauled away in cuffs after all he’s put you through is payment enough for me.”
Unable to help myself, I move around her desk and give her a Charlie-quality hug.
She pats my back. “Alright, alright. There will be plenty of time for that another day. Right now, we have to keep our guard up and our heads clear.”
I nod in agreement.
“I can get the camera up tomorrow,” Jack says.
Moving to stand by his side, I tell them the update I received this morning. “Andrew’s flight arrives in Denver on Friday at 5:05pm.”
Irene nods. “So it would probably be safe to assume Saturday will be the big day then. Are you worried he won’t show up the way you think he will?”
Her question makes me chuckle. She doesn’t know Christopher, so she can’t understand the way his mind works.
“Seeing me will be like blood in the water to a shark. Not coming after me will go against every instinct he has.” I know without a doubt that me being the bait will lure him in.
Jack tenses beside me, and I rub my hand up and down his back to ease his concern. Thinking of it all when he’s not with me fills me with anxiety. But the moment he’s by my side, I know everything will be alright. He’ll protect me, and he’ll arrest Christopher. It may be irrational to feel that way. After all, he’s only human, but my faith in him is unwavering.
Jack relaxes under my touch and places his arm around me, tucking me closer to his side.
“Ugh, I’m so happy for you two but take it out of here,” Irene says with a laugh. “Otherwise, I’ll show up with Joe at your place.”
We all burst into laughter.
“With that thought, we’ll be on our way,” Jack says, urging me out of Irene’s office.
We make our way to the front of the café, and Jack leans in. “What the hell did she mean by that?” he whispers with a confused look on his face.
“I have no idea, and I don’t want to find out,” I whisper back with a laugh.
Chapter 35
Jackneedstofinishup some work at the station, so I tag along with him. It’s still early in the afternoon. I’m excited to get to see where he works and maybe meet his coworkers. Jack pulls into the parking lot, jumps out, and comes around to open my door.
“You don’t have to do that, but thank you,” I say with a smile.
“I know I don’t, but I want to.” He walks us to the front door, scanning his badge to open the door before holding it open for me.
I go through first with Jack right behind me. He leads us to the back corner to an office.
“Fancy. I figured you just had a cubicle,” I say as I look around. Certificates, pictures of Jack in uniform, and awards line the wall and sit on his desk.
“Come on now. You know I’m the best detective in town,” he says with a smirk.
I laugh. “The best or the only?” My serious face soon breaks in a full blown smile. “Just kidding. I know you’re good at your job. It’s nice to see they recognize you for your hard work.”
